Heron Lake State Park
Heron Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — among the very darkest measurable skies in the American Southwest — the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically September, when about 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 63/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 63%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Heron Lake State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 50% | 54/100 |
| February | 59% | 60/100 |
| March | 59% | 60/100 |
| April | 64% | 64/100 |
| May | 69% | 68/100 |
| June | 72% | 70/100 |
| July | 61% | 62/100 |
| August | 63% | 64/100 |
| September ★ | 77% | 73/100 |
| October | 73% | 71/100 |
| November | 68% | 67/100 |
| December | 56% | 58/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Heron Lake State Park
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
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The Lodge At Chama
22.2 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Spruce Lodge
22.2 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Vista Del Rio Lodge
22.5 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Brazos Lodge
22.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Corkins Lodge
23.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Y Motel
23.1 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Chama Trails Inn Motel
23.4 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Lofts At Sterling Sage
25.5 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 68/100
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Nearby spots in New Mexico
- El Vado Lake State Park — 8.5 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area — 20.3 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness — 38.5 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Chimney Rock Viewpoint — 43.1 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Cruces Basin Wilderness — 43.3 km · Sky Score 64/100